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Love's Compass / Pride's Fall
Love's Compass was previously published as The Shadow Catcher's Daughter
Enjoy an Old West romance adventure from author Carla Olsen Gade. Daring Eliana Van Horn aims to make her mark by joining her father’s photography expedition through the rugged Colorado and New Mexico Territories disguised as a young man. But it’s not long before she throws trail guide Yiska Wilcox off course by opening up the uncharted territory of his heart. Also includes a bonus historical romance, Pride’s Fall by Darlene Franklin.
Enjoy an Old West romance adventure from author Carla Olsen Gade. Daring Eliana Van Horn aims to make her mark by joining her father’s photography expedition through the rugged Colorado and New Mexico Territories disguised as a young man. But it’s not long before she throws trail guide Yiska Wilcox off course by opening up the uncharted territory of his heart. Also includes a bonus historical romance, Pride’s Fall by Darlene Franklin.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2017
31 people want to read
About the author
Carla Olson Gade
10 books42 followersNative New Englander Carla Olson Gade writes adventures of the heart with historical roots from her home amid the rustic landscapes of Maine. With ten books in print, she is always imaging more stories and enjoys bringing her tales to life with historically authentic settings and characters. An avid reader, amateur genealogist, photographer, and house plan hobbyist, Carla’s great love (next to her family) is historical research. Though you might find her tromping around an abandoned homestead, an old fort, or interviewing a docent at a historical museum, it’s easier to connect with her online at http://carlagade.blogspot.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 10, 2017
A lovely story that includes a bonus story as well. In Loves Compass we have a adventurous western story of a young lady and her father. She is his photographer apprentice. They travel through the rugged Colorado and New Mexico Territories. She is disguised as a man for her protection . She never expects to find love along the way but matters of the heart can never be predicted.
In our bonus story by Darlene Franklin, we have the characters in the process of filming a movie. The main female character finds herself falling for the director but he doesn't share her faith conviction. Her heart can not proceed with love without him having a strong faith like she does.Something happens to him, does it make him turn away from God or draw him to him for strength? Read this lovely story and find out. This bonus story takes place in 1899 but I felt like I was reading a story taking place in modern times.
Pub Date 01 Apr 2017.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
In our bonus story by Darlene Franklin, we have the characters in the process of filming a movie. The main female character finds herself falling for the director but he doesn't share her faith conviction. Her heart can not proceed with love without him having a strong faith like she does.Something happens to him, does it make him turn away from God or draw him to him for strength? Read this lovely story and find out. This bonus story takes place in 1899 but I felt like I was reading a story taking place in modern times.
Pub Date 01 Apr 2017.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing, Inc. for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2017
Love's Compass is a book that is beautifully written by Carla Olson Gade. Love's Compass was originally written as Carla's debut novel, The Shadow Catcher's Daughter. It is set in Colorado's beautiful country of 1875. The writer writes the scenery with deep meaning and poetry. The story is centered around photography and capturing the beauty of the Four Corners.
The Van Horn's are hired by the government to photograph the Four Corners area with the survey company. Eliana is an assistant to her father. She must dress like a man in order to be protected from those who wouldn't appreciate a woman traveling with a male dominated company.
Yiska, a half-breed Navajo, captures more than Eliana's photographic eye, but her heart as well. Yiska has to face many racial challenges because of his heritage.
As a personal note, I have been interested in photography. I love taking pictures. This is what drew me to this book. Learning the earlier techniques and how they had to develop the photos were quite interesting. Especially how they had to be so careful with the plates and having to carry that equipment through the rugged terrain.
Through many challenges and trials, through heartbreak, through the rugged countryside...life and love are entwined. This is a story that captivated my heart, and I know it will captivate your heart. I love Eliana and Yiska's story!
I love this quote from the story:
"Love cannot be hidden. It even shines in the darkest place."...."You must also have faith," Maria said, "In God, and each other."
The Bonus Story from Darlene Franklin, Pride's Fall
Mesa Verde, Colorado 1899. This story is about a film production team filming a scene about the American Indians. Muriel Galloway is playing the lead actress of Standing Corn and Rex Pride is the director and owner of Pride Productions. The filming of this movie is in its infancy. There is no color. No sound. All things in the film are added, spliced, words are added in. It is a difficult job.
Rex Pride is everything his name is, prideful and sometimes controlling. He wants everything to work to perfection and done his way. He is a taskmaster. Through many happenstances God knocks the pride off. Muriel Galloway is a lovely actress that has her eyes on Rex but it will only goes so far because his heart isn't where it should be.
Throughout the story, there is a lot of push towards salvation. For those on the film crew and for the native Navajo. Muriel is more missionary at times. A lot of things happen during the story that make it interesting.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
The Van Horn's are hired by the government to photograph the Four Corners area with the survey company. Eliana is an assistant to her father. She must dress like a man in order to be protected from those who wouldn't appreciate a woman traveling with a male dominated company.
Yiska, a half-breed Navajo, captures more than Eliana's photographic eye, but her heart as well. Yiska has to face many racial challenges because of his heritage.
As a personal note, I have been interested in photography. I love taking pictures. This is what drew me to this book. Learning the earlier techniques and how they had to develop the photos were quite interesting. Especially how they had to be so careful with the plates and having to carry that equipment through the rugged terrain.
Through many challenges and trials, through heartbreak, through the rugged countryside...life and love are entwined. This is a story that captivated my heart, and I know it will captivate your heart. I love Eliana and Yiska's story!
I love this quote from the story:
"Love cannot be hidden. It even shines in the darkest place."...."You must also have faith," Maria said, "In God, and each other."
The Bonus Story from Darlene Franklin, Pride's Fall
Mesa Verde, Colorado 1899. This story is about a film production team filming a scene about the American Indians. Muriel Galloway is playing the lead actress of Standing Corn and Rex Pride is the director and owner of Pride Productions. The filming of this movie is in its infancy. There is no color. No sound. All things in the film are added, spliced, words are added in. It is a difficult job.
Rex Pride is everything his name is, prideful and sometimes controlling. He wants everything to work to perfection and done his way. He is a taskmaster. Through many happenstances God knocks the pride off. Muriel Galloway is a lovely actress that has her eyes on Rex but it will only goes so far because his heart isn't where it should be.
Throughout the story, there is a lot of push towards salvation. For those on the film crew and for the native Navajo. Muriel is more missionary at times. A lot of things happen during the story that make it interesting.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 9, 2017
There are two novels in this book, and if the compass is pointing in the right direction, it points Southwest. Both novels take place in the New Mexico/Arizona area, near Four Corners. Carla Gade and Darlene Franklin have offered two light-hearted stories to make this an entertaining read from the first page to the last.
The last two books I read before this selection were heavy, dark reads, and I needed to have the reading atmosphere lightened up. I'll always appreciated Barbour Books for publishing books that fit this niche.
In Carla Gade's offering, Eliana is her father's assistant photographer. She and her father travel around Colorado and New Mexico taking photographs of people, and landscapes to record the history and scenic beauty of the area. Yiska Wilcox is their guide and he begins falling in love with Eliana and falls even more in love with her as secrets are revealed to her and from her.
In Darlene Franklin's part of this book, Muriel is a stage actress doing a movie for the renowned director Rex Pride. He's making a movie about a Romeo/Juliet type love between two members of competing Native American tribes in the Mesa Verde area of southern Colorado. What makes this a great book is the way Darlene has worked the plan of salvation into the story. She portrays Rex as a man who covers his misery with driving achievements.
These are five star stories, with two thumbs up, and a trip to Four Corners.
My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
The last two books I read before this selection were heavy, dark reads, and I needed to have the reading atmosphere lightened up. I'll always appreciated Barbour Books for publishing books that fit this niche.
In Carla Gade's offering, Eliana is her father's assistant photographer. She and her father travel around Colorado and New Mexico taking photographs of people, and landscapes to record the history and scenic beauty of the area. Yiska Wilcox is their guide and he begins falling in love with Eliana and falls even more in love with her as secrets are revealed to her and from her.
In Darlene Franklin's part of this book, Muriel is a stage actress doing a movie for the renowned director Rex Pride. He's making a movie about a Romeo/Juliet type love between two members of competing Native American tribes in the Mesa Verde area of southern Colorado. What makes this a great book is the way Darlene has worked the plan of salvation into the story. She portrays Rex as a man who covers his misery with driving achievements.
These are five star stories, with two thumbs up, and a trip to Four Corners.
My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
May 20, 2017
If you enjoy historical fiction, westerns or Christian fiction, “Love’s Compass” is an ideal book. The author writes of love, faith, God, racism and bigotry.
Eliana Van Horn is not your typical female; she is daring, accomplished and takes up for others. She assists her father in his photography studio and then on an expedition during which they travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Since no single female would be allowed to do so, she disguises herself as a man and poses as her father’s son. Along the way, she meets Yiska Wilcox who is a half breed who joins them on their expedition as a guide.
The author vividly describes the area through Yiska’s writings and makes you feel as if you are there. The author also discusses God, prayer and his love for us simply and beautifully. “it’s not the work we do that gets His attention. It’s a humble heart that seeks Him…He hears us because of His love for us, nothing more.”
Giving “Love’s Compass” four stars. It is a lovely romance with a couple of surprises toward the end. Great clean read for just about any age. Perfect travel/beach/car read.
As a bonus, you will also receive “Pride’s Fall” by Darlene Franklin. It is a historical romance, as well.
Release/Publication Date: April 1, 2017 (previously published as “The Shadow Catcher's Daughter”)
Genre: Historical Romance, Western, Christian Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thanks you!
Rating: 4 stars
Eliana Van Horn is not your typical female; she is daring, accomplished and takes up for others. She assists her father in his photography studio and then on an expedition during which they travel through Colorado and New Mexico. Since no single female would be allowed to do so, she disguises herself as a man and poses as her father’s son. Along the way, she meets Yiska Wilcox who is a half breed who joins them on their expedition as a guide.
The author vividly describes the area through Yiska’s writings and makes you feel as if you are there. The author also discusses God, prayer and his love for us simply and beautifully. “it’s not the work we do that gets His attention. It’s a humble heart that seeks Him…He hears us because of His love for us, nothing more.”
Giving “Love’s Compass” four stars. It is a lovely romance with a couple of surprises toward the end. Great clean read for just about any age. Perfect travel/beach/car read.
As a bonus, you will also receive “Pride’s Fall” by Darlene Franklin. It is a historical romance, as well.
Release/Publication Date: April 1, 2017 (previously published as “The Shadow Catcher's Daughter”)
Genre: Historical Romance, Western, Christian Fiction
Cover: Perfect
Source: I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review. Thanks you!
Rating: 4 stars
January 9, 2017
Love's Compass is a good, short read. I enjoyed the adventure that led Eliana to the western territories-dressed as a young man! A sweet and clean read.
This book, also, includes a story but Darlene Franklin called Pride's Fall. It was okay, but enjoyed Love's Compass much more.
Four stars
This book, also, includes a story but Darlene Franklin called Pride's Fall. It was okay, but enjoyed Love's Compass much more.
Four stars
May 27, 2017
Love’s Compass by Carla Gade
With the Bonus Story Pride’s Fall by Darlene Franklin
These two heartwarming stories are set in the Midwest in the late eighteen hundreds. The first story, Love’s Compass, follows the adventures of Eliana Van Horn, a young female photography assistant, and Yiska Wilcox, the trail guide who has stolen her heart. The second story, Pride’s Fall, is about Muriel Gallagher, a talented actress, and Rex Pride, the director of the silent movie she is starring in. The first takes place at the marking of the boundaries at Four Points, the place where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. The second is not far from there, in the desert wilderness near an Indian village.
Love’s Compass is a sweet story about how love can overcome any boundaries. Eliana works with her father, who is a photographer. She plans to dress as a man to assist him on a photo shoot. They are going to Four Points, to put the official marker in place. Before they can leave, she is almost killed by a speeding horse and buggy, but Yiska, who is part Indian, saves her life. From this moment, their lives seem to be inexorably entwined. When he is hired to be the guide on their trip, she is quite happy to be able to get to know him more. However, the trip meets with an unexpected tragedy and she must make a choice for her future. Will they be able to find happiness in each other, or will her life be forever altered by what she learns?
Pride’s Fall is also a charming story that follows Rex and Muriel as they make a movie based on the Navajo Indians. Rex is a difficult director and he demands the best from everyone who works with him. Muriel is a talented actress who is grateful for this opportunity, but she also wants to share her faith with the people of the Indian nation, as well as Rex. The more they work together, the more their attraction grows. But, can Rex overcome his pride and accept that he needs God in his life. And, can Muriel trust that God has a plan for her as well?
Both of these stories are great reads and I enjoyed them. I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance. They will certainly put a smile on your face!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
With the Bonus Story Pride’s Fall by Darlene Franklin
These two heartwarming stories are set in the Midwest in the late eighteen hundreds. The first story, Love’s Compass, follows the adventures of Eliana Van Horn, a young female photography assistant, and Yiska Wilcox, the trail guide who has stolen her heart. The second story, Pride’s Fall, is about Muriel Gallagher, a talented actress, and Rex Pride, the director of the silent movie she is starring in. The first takes place at the marking of the boundaries at Four Points, the place where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet. The second is not far from there, in the desert wilderness near an Indian village.
Love’s Compass is a sweet story about how love can overcome any boundaries. Eliana works with her father, who is a photographer. She plans to dress as a man to assist him on a photo shoot. They are going to Four Points, to put the official marker in place. Before they can leave, she is almost killed by a speeding horse and buggy, but Yiska, who is part Indian, saves her life. From this moment, their lives seem to be inexorably entwined. When he is hired to be the guide on their trip, she is quite happy to be able to get to know him more. However, the trip meets with an unexpected tragedy and she must make a choice for her future. Will they be able to find happiness in each other, or will her life be forever altered by what she learns?
Pride’s Fall is also a charming story that follows Rex and Muriel as they make a movie based on the Navajo Indians. Rex is a difficult director and he demands the best from everyone who works with him. Muriel is a talented actress who is grateful for this opportunity, but she also wants to share her faith with the people of the Indian nation, as well as Rex. The more they work together, the more their attraction grows. But, can Rex overcome his pride and accept that he needs God in his life. And, can Muriel trust that God has a plan for her as well?
Both of these stories are great reads and I enjoyed them. I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and romance. They will certainly put a smile on your face!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest opinion.
January 29, 2019
Two sweet stories set in New Mexico. Love’s compass features a young photographer who works with her father. She loves traveling with him when he goes on assignments in the backcountry, disguising herself as a young man. She meets a young “ half breed” scout who documents his journey as he travels. This leads to a part-time job for the local newspaper when he continues his scouting . They become close friends along the way.
The second story Pride’s Fall stars a movie director that I loved to hate. I don’t think that was the intention of the author, but it is how I read him. The storyline is good and kept my interest.
The star of the new movie technology is a dedicated Christian and most of the story follows her care for the other coworkers and native Americans that filled in as extras on the set. Great storyline and a first for me on both Authors.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an e-copy of this book
I was not required to review this book and all opinions are my own.
The second story Pride’s Fall stars a movie director that I loved to hate. I don’t think that was the intention of the author, but it is how I read him. The storyline is good and kept my interest.
The star of the new movie technology is a dedicated Christian and most of the story follows her care for the other coworkers and native Americans that filled in as extras on the set. Great storyline and a first for me on both Authors.
Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an e-copy of this book
I was not required to review this book and all opinions are my own.
July 14, 2020
The Ancient Ones and the Earliest Days of Movies.
The first movies made were silent and in black and white. However, the author speaks eloquently and in living color in the setting of Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. How unusual it was to link cliff dwellings with silent film production on site. Also, it is rather uncommon that a writer leads you to dislike the leading man; but of course once God became his director, that all changed. And when did a leading lady in the movies shine so brightly with God’s love?
The first movies made were silent and in black and white. However, the author speaks eloquently and in living color in the setting of Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings. How unusual it was to link cliff dwellings with silent film production on site. Also, it is rather uncommon that a writer leads you to dislike the leading man; but of course once God became his director, that all changed. And when did a leading lady in the movies shine so brightly with God’s love?
March 15, 2018
Great historical/christian fiction
March 15, 2024
I loved this story. It was a nice smooth read & was hard to put down. Will be looking for more books by this author.
October 1, 2017
Love's Compass was so beautifully written and I will definitely be reading more of Carla Gade's books. One of my favorite books of the year.
March 26, 2017
This is a very sweet, clean romance that is full of two unexpected surprises at the end. As a debut novel, the author successfully created characters that had depth and brought the western setting to life. This story is an excellent reminder to not judge people too hastily based on their outward appearance. I really enjoyed it and wished I could see some of the beautiful scenery brought to life by the characters' journeys. I absolutely adore photographing the west and can only imagine how thrilling it was to do so during this time period.
As a side note, on a Kindle, this story stopped at roughly 55% through the file to make room for the bonus story, so be aware of that. I wasn't aware of that, so I was a bit surprised when the story wrapped up. The bonus story, Pride's Fall, isn't capturing my attention quite as well as Love's Compass, so I might not finish it. I'm a little confused as to the time period that the story is supposed to take place in.
Going back to Love's Compass, the only negative I have with this story is that sometimes I would be reading along and then all of a sudden have an "oh, wait, what?" moment, requiring me to go back a couple of pages to see if I misread something. This happened a couple of times. The first was in the beginning when Yiska needed rescuing, yet they took the time to go take a person's photograph when it was a life and death situation?
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
As a side note, on a Kindle, this story stopped at roughly 55% through the file to make room for the bonus story, so be aware of that. I wasn't aware of that, so I was a bit surprised when the story wrapped up. The bonus story, Pride's Fall, isn't capturing my attention quite as well as Love's Compass, so I might not finish it. I'm a little confused as to the time period that the story is supposed to take place in.
Going back to Love's Compass, the only negative I have with this story is that sometimes I would be reading along and then all of a sudden have an "oh, wait, what?" moment, requiring me to go back a couple of pages to see if I misread something. This happened a couple of times. The first was in the beginning when Yiska needed rescuing, yet they took the time to go take a person's photograph when it was a life and death situation?
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2017
Loved this story. Love's Compass is a well written story. It is a good clean and quick read. Obtained from the publisher via Netgalley. This is my unbiased.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews